The Spurs defense has been unusually shaky and they have few wins against the other elite teams, with the win against the Clippers (without Chris Paul) not quite the statement they can make later this month when they face the Thunder and Heat. less

4. San Antonio Spurs (26-8)December ranking: 3 Preseason ranking: 2

The Spurs defense has been unusually shaky and they have few wins against the other elite teams, with the win against the Clippers ... more

The Blazers lost three of their past five games, though they took a win against the Thunder in that stretch. But they had rolled long enough to withstand a few bumps and should add rookie C.J. McCollum to the mix this week. less

The Warriors didn’t get Andre Iguodala to hit game-winners, but since he can do everything, he does that, too. That starts with holding things together, as Golden State’s nine-game winning streak demonstrates. less

The Rockets have been treading water for so long it figures they would be in exactly the same spot in the rankings as a month ago. Like a team with its starters on the floor while the opponent goes to its bench, the Rockets need to make a move in January. less

7. Houston Rockets (22-13)December ranking: 7 Preseason ranking: 7

The Rockets have been treading water for so long it figures they would be in exactly the same spot in the rankings as a month ago. Like a ... more

The backcourt combination of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe has been sensational, with Bledsoe due back this week. Just in case, the Suns will bring back Leandro Barbosa, who should fit in well, on a 10-day contract. less

9. Phoenix Suns (20-12)December ranking: 12 Preseason ranking: 29

The backcourt combination of Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe has been sensational, with Bledsoe due back this week. Just in case, the Suns ... more

By far the biggest climbers in the rankings, the Raptors have been sensational since the trade of Rudy Gay. With wins against the Pacers and Thunder along the way, the Raps came up just short in Miami on Sunday, but are solidly third-best in the East. less

10. Toronto Raptors (16-16)December ranking: 23 Preseason ranking: 21

By far the biggest climbers in the rankings, the Raptors have been sensational since the trade of Rudy Gay. With wins against the Pacers ... more

The Nuggets lost eight straight and suspended Andre Miller for two games after his dustup with Brian Shaw. They won both games without him and should be able to get a good return if they deal him. less

17. Denver Nuggets (16-17)December ranking: 8 Preseason ranking: 14

The Nuggets lost eight straight and suspended Andre Miller for two games after his dustup with Brian Shaw. They won both games without him ... more

The only thing that has not changed is having Pau Gasol’s name in trade rumors. But with Kobe Bryant not close to a return, and with losses in seven of eight games, the Lakers are getting perilously close to making trades that smack of rebuilding. less

The Sixers have won four straight including an impressive finish in Portland. Heading into Monday’s game, the Sixers were 11-11 in games Michael Carter-Williams has played; 1-10 in games he’s missed. less

The Knicks began the Texas Triangle with an 0-9 record against the Western Conference and came away with wins in San Antonio and Dallas and with Iman Shumpert rolling, averaging 20.6 points in the three games. less

23. New York Knicks (11-22)December ranking: 30 Preseason ranking: 10

The Knicks began the Texas Triangle with an 0-9 record against the Western Conference and came away with wins in San Antonio and Dallas ... more

The Celtics have been sinking, losing four-straight heading into Monday’s game in Denver. The trade of Courtney Lee for Jerryd Bayless offered another reminder that they are more about offseason rebuilding than this season’s record. less

25. Boston Celtics (13-21)December ranking: 21 Preseason ranking: 22

The Celtics have been sinking, losing four-straight heading into Monday’s game in Denver. The trade of Courtney Lee for Jerryd Bayless ... more

The Kings began a five-game homestand with losses heading into Tuesday’s game against the Trail Blazers. Since the trade for Rudy Gay and move of Isaiah Thomas into the starting lineup, the Kings can put up points, but still don’t stop anybody. less